Equality

Teleworking from anywhere: A question of fairness and modernisation in the EU administration

EEAS, Equality, Newsletter-2025-02-28, Teleworking, teleworking from anywhere, well-being, Working conditions Print This Post

*Update 26.08.2025 here’s the new link with instructions on how to encode those TWA/TWOPE days, note that even Blue Book trainees can have 5 days.*

Original article: An already-outdated policy in a new era of work? The need for teleworking change, especially within the External Action Service (EEAS) and Brussels (‘HQ’) rules.  In a world where remote work has proven not only feasible but often preferable, the teleworking and teleworking from anywhere (TWA) policies remain a little too rigid and, to many, stuck in the past.

Continue reading Teleworking from anywhere: A question of fairness and modernisation in the EU administration →

EEAS: The Future of Housing in EU Delegations: A Call for Fair and Transparent Reform    

allowances, EEAS, Equality, Newsletter-2025-02-12 Print This Post

The housing policy for EU Delegations has long been a critical element in ensuring the efficiency, well-being, and security of staff posted to more than 144 locations across the globe. However, recent discussions about a potential reform of the housing policy have raised serious concerns among colleagues, particularly regarding the motivations behind this review and its potential impact on staff morale, effectiveness, and living conditions.  Continue reading EEAS: The Future of Housing in EU Delegations: A Call for Fair and Transparent Reform     →

The Frosty Chronicles: Navigating the EU Institution’s Subzero Realities

Equality, Health, Mobility and Climate, Newsletter-2025-02-12, office temperatures, OIB, Security at work, Working conditions Print This Post

As winter descended, so does the new norm for EU staff:  embracing the glacial reality of a target of 19°C in Brussels workspaces (a balmy 20°C in Luxembourg), leaving many buildings well below those targets. HR sources cite national law of host Member State of EU institutions for this limit, suggesting that they would lower the temperatures further if the law allowed it. For those of you not in the loop, this provision ensures that public buildings toe the line in terms of energy-use reductions (‘efficiency’). But while the thermostat complies, it’s the staff who shiver. Jackets, scarves, and an abundance of hot tea have become unofficial office attire and tools of survival. Continue reading The Frosty Chronicles: Navigating the EU Institution’s Subzero Realities →

10 Postulates for fairness – A better future for Contract Agents

Contract Agents, Equality, Newsletter-2025-02-12, Pensions, Petition, reclassification, Staff Categories, well-being, Working conditions Print This Post

Generation 2004 has been at the forefront of advocating for Contract Agents, consistently pushing for fairer employment conditions, better career prospects, and greater recognition of their contributions. Over the years, we have actively engaged with the administration, raising awareness of the systemic challenges contract agents face: barriers to career advancement, limited access to internal competitions, unfair contractual terms, and restricted mobility within the institution.   Continue reading 10 Postulates for fairness – A better future for Contract Agents →

Brussels European Schools: locally recruited teachers on strike 

Education, Equality, European Schools, Newsletter-2025-02-12, Staff Categories, Working conditions Print This Post

Generation 2004 has sadly learned that locally recruited teachers plan a series of partial strikes at several dates in February, including a march to the Office of the Secretary General. If their demands are not met they plan an all day strike on 1st April.  While we realise the negative impact to parents and children of this action, we can only sympathize with these teachers, who find themselves in a legal void making their jobs and lives a constant struggle. Continue reading Brussels European Schools: locally recruited teachers on strike  →

Locally Recruited Teachers in European Schools: A Forgotten Workforce? 

Brexit, Education, Equality, European Schools, Newsletter-2025-02-12, Working conditions Print This Post

The Backbone of European Schools—Without the Rights.  Locally Recruited Teachers (LRTs) play a vital role in the European Schools, ensuring high-quality education for thousands of children. Yet, despite their significant contributions, they face unstable working conditions, unfair contract terms, and a lack of representation – challenges that have been ignored for far too long.  Continue reading Locally Recruited Teachers in European Schools: A Forgotten Workforce?  →

Where Has All the Money Gone?

building closures, Environment, Equality, Health, Mobility and Climate, Newsletter-2025-01-28, office temperatures, OIB, Open Plan Office, Working conditions Print This Post

As Generation 2004, we have always stood for fairness, transparency, and the well-being of staff. Today, we must address the grim reality of the European Commission’s cost-saving measures and the devastating impact they have had on staff members and the workplace environment. Billions have been saved, but at what cost?

Continue reading Where Has All the Money Gone? →

EU Delegation restructuring: Have your say & sign now!

EEAS, Equality, Newsletter-2025-01-28, Petition, Staff Categories, Working conditions Print This Post

Generation 2004, together with US, TAO, R&D, is inviting all delegation colleagues to sign the petition addressed to High representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Síkela to pause the restructuring of EU Delegations until a full consultation with the staff representation takes place.

Continue reading EU Delegation restructuring: Have your say & sign now! →

European Schools: more options, starting with Brussels

Brussels, diversity & inclusion, Education, Equality, European Schools, Newsletter-2025-01-28 Print This Post

The Commission has started a new path to create options for those with children in European Schools (ESS) and, given the structural overcrowding of the four in Brussels, it starts there. In its announcement, the Commission informs of a new agreement allowing children free schooling at the Accredited European School Brussels-Argenteuil in Waterloo, valid from school year 2025/26 onwards in the EN and FR sections.  Continue reading European Schools: more options, starting with Brussels →

Reducing budgetary loss while granting fairer contract agents contracts  

Contract Agents, Equality, Newsletter - 2024-12-13, Staff Categories, Working conditions Print This Post

The importance of Contract Agents to the Commission.  Contract Agents play a crucial role in the functioning of the European Commission. They provide specialised support across a wide range of areas and contribute significantly to the achievement of the institution’s objectives. Their expertise is indispensable, and they often perform tasks that are vital to the daily operations of various departments.  However, despite their importance, Contract Agents are not always sufficiently appreciated or valued.  Continue reading Reducing budgetary loss while granting fairer contract agents contracts   →